Canadian Music Therapy

In this episode, we are speaking with Miya Adout about the evolution of her company, along with learning more about the newly launched, Creative Care Club. Miya also gives us a glimpse into her hopes for the future of integrating creativity and the arts into healthcare in Canada. Here is a little more about Miya: Miya Adout is a Canadian music therapist and founder of MIYA Creative Care, an organi...

In this episode, we are speaking with Aprajita, Madi and Rhonda about their experiences as new graduates of their music therapy programs. We’ll get a deeper understanding of why they decided to become music therapists along with their individual words of wisdom for new grads based on their lived experiences. Here is a little more about our guests: Aprajita Saxena is a certified music therapist wit...

In this episode, we are speaking with Rachel, Kelly-Anne, Alexa and Kimberly from the Inspiration Symposium that will be taking place in October 2026 for music therapists in Perth, ON. They will share more about what the symposium is about and what participants will experience over the three-day event. Here is a little more about our guests: Rachel Ntambwe: Rachel is a certified music therapist wi...

Nous discutons avec Guylaine Vaillancourt de son parcours en musicothérapie et en Musique et imagerie guidée, également connue sous le nom de GIM. Guylaine partage également quelques vignettes sur son expérience de l'utilisation du GIM en oncologie et en soins palliatifs. Enfin, elle nous en dit plus sur sa vision de la manière dont nous pouvons soutenir une nouvelle génération de musicothérap...

In this episode we are speaking with Guylaine Vaillancourt about her journey into music therapy and Guided Imagery and Music, otherwise known as GIM. Guylaine also shares some vignettes about her experience using GIM in oncology and palliative care. Finally, she tells us more about her perspective on how we can support a new generation of music therapists and the importance of research. Here is a...

In this episode we are speaking with Victoria Di Giovanni about her Blue album and her creative process in writing the songs. She also shares more about her creative and PhD work and how that has influenced how she works with families and individuals in hospice care. Finally, we wrap up with Victoria suggesting ways for us to engage with the Blue album in times of loss. Here is a little more about...

In this episode, Hélène tells us more about her work at a social paediatric centre in Montreal and her role as the music therapist on this dynamic team. As a result of Hélène’s curiosity and background in the arts along with family ties to psychoanalysis, she shares her journey towards becoming a music therapist with us. Finally, lets us into her vision for the field of music therapy in terms of p...

In this episode we are speaking with Taylor Kurta about her work in the field of dementia care. She talks to us about her unique approach to dementia care as a songwriter along with collaborative songwriting as a way to challenge stigma. Here is a little more about Taylor: Taylor Kurta is an award-winning singer-songwriter, certified music therapist (MTA), and PhD candidate in the Aging, Health, a...

In this episode we are speaking with Aksana Kavaliova-Moussi about her work in EMDR, which is the therapeutic treatment modality of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, along with her global involvement in music therapy. Aksana also shares her journey to becoming a music therapist. Here is a little more about Aksana: Aksana was born in Belarus and entered the music therapy education as a...

In this episode, we are speaking with Heidi Ahonen from Waterloo Ontario. Heidi delves into her work in Group Analytic Music Therapy, sharing with us about how she developed it, the underlying theory behind the therapy along with what a typical session looks like. Here is a little more about Heidi: Dr Heidi Ahonen is professor of music therapy and coordinator of music therapy & community music...

In this episode we are speaking with Meredith Evans who has a unique perspective as an anthropologist who is studying music therapy. Meredith tells us more about her research article titled, “The Pursuit of Clinical Recognition” which explores the challenges music therapists encounter in being recognized as clinical professionals, and having music therapy recognized as clinical care. Here is a lit...

In this episode, we are speaking with Katelyn Wheaton and Emily Carruthers about the upcoming Canadian Association of Music Therapists annual conference to be held May 22nd to 24th 2025 in Halifax Nova Scotia. They share details about what unique things to expect from the conference this year and ways to get involved. As an added bonus, Adrienne shares her conference experiences through a rapid fi...

In this episode we are speaking with Tyrone Barnes about his unique journey in discovering the field of music therapy and his influential work with families and youth. Tyrone also shares his vision for People’s Music Therapy along with the profession of music therapy in Canada. Here is a little more about Tyrone: Tyrone was born on the unceded homelands of the Katzie First Nation in what is now Ma...

In this episode we are speaking with 2 guests; Quentin Burgess and Anna Kajtar about the Canadian Music Therapy Fund. You will learn more about the organization’s mission, fundraising goals, how to get involved and recent advocacy work they have been involved in. Here is a little more about Anna and Quentin: With over twenty years of experience leading arts organizations in Toronto, including as E...

In this episode we are speaking with Wanda Gascho-White about her career highlights of over 35 years. She tells us about how she avoids burn out and what she feels are the most important personal characteristics of music therapists. Finally, Wanda tells us about the rationale for returning to school to complete her master’s degree so late in her career. Here is a little more about Wanda: Certified...

In this episode, we are speaking with Julia St. Cyr about the evolution of her career as a music therapist and establishing her practice, Shine Music and Therapy Services. Julia tells us about what inspired her to become a music therapist and psychotherapist along with sharing a memorable moment in her career. Here is a little more about Julia: Julia is an Accredited Music Therapist and Registered...

In this episode we are speaking with Kathy Lepp as she shares with us about the Intergenerational Music Therapy Jamboree program as well as the growth of music therapy in long term care. In addition, Kathy tells us about her experience working with women’s crisis services and how music therapy helps her clients who are coping with trauma. Here is a little more about Kathy: Kathy Lepp is a veteran...

In this episode we are speaking with Kylie Klym and learning more about her journey in bringing music therapy services to northern Ontario. Kylie shares some of the challenges of working in such a vast community along with the partnerships she has made. Finally, she tells us more about the viability of virtual music therapy and her experience with it. Here is a little more about Kylie: Kylie Klym...

In this episode, we are speaking with Valmy Assam about her experience as a music therapist and what she enjoys most. She tells us more about an interesting journey she had which changed the trajectory of her career. Valmy also shares her thoughts about her future aspirations in and out of the field of music therapy. Here is a little more about Valmy: Valmy is a certified music therapist based in...

In this episode, we are speaking with Méliane Laurier-Cromp about the diversity of positions and partnerships she is currently involved in as a music therapist. Méliane also shares information about why she decided to get involved with the board of AQM and her journey towards becoming a professor in the graduate diploma program at Concordia. Here is a little more about Méliane: After graduating fr...

In this episode, we are speaking with Shona Pottinger about what it’s like to offer music therapy services in the smallest province in Canada, Prince Edward Island. Shona tells us more about internship opportunities with Singing Sands Music Therapy and her journey to becoming a music therapist. Here is a little more about Shona: Shona founded Singing Sands Music Therapy in PEI in 2010 and has expe...

In this episode, we are speaking with Suzanne Caron about her unique journey in becoming a music therapist and how the National Music Therapy Institute, a not for profit, was established. Suzanne shares details about the unique approach offered by the Institute's pilot projects, along with an invitation to contribute to their dynamic website developed to raise awareness and advocate for music...

In this episode, we are speaking with Kristen DiMarco about her journey to becoming a music therapist and her specialization in pediatric hospice work. Kristen also tells us more about her vision for the future of the profession of music therapy in Canada. Here is a little more about Kristen: Kristen DiMarco, a certified Music Therapist and Registered Psychotherapist, holds a Bachelor of Music The...

In this episode, we are speaking with Annabelle Brault who shares with us about her journey to becoming a music therapist along with why she has chosen to focus her published research around clinical work with informal caregivers. Annabelle also tells us more about why she has chosen to study digital well being as part of her doctoral work. Here is a little more about Annabelle: Annabelle Brault,...

In this episode, we are speaking with Steffi Friyia, Vice President of the Music Therapy Association of Ontario. She is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto Master’s in Music and Health Sciences program and she will tell us about her academic experience and research. We wrap things up by discussion Steffi’s volunteer experiences and why this is important for the next generation of music...